Standing Goddess

Painted anthropomorphic figurines have been found throughout the Greek mainland and islands. This goddess figure is an example of a typical Mycenaean figurine, which depicts a standing female figure with a long cone-shaped skirt and a flat body. These figures exist in three different forms — “phi,” “tau,” and “psi” — named after Greek letters that approximate the position of the arms. Although the archaeological context and cultural significance of this figure are unclear, similar figurines have been found in household shrines, sanctuaries, and tombs, suggesting their use as cult objects, ceremonial offerings, or as company and protection during the deceased’s journey to the afterlife.